The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mernan Femi Oluyede, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Space Administration (CDSA), Major General Philip Okechukwu Ilodibia. The event took place at the CDSA Conference Room. The visit was aimed at strengthening the cordial relationship between both organisations while exploring strategic areas of collaboration to enhance the welfare of military and police families.
In her remarks, Mrs Oluyede commended the Defence Space Administration for its remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s national security through the application of space science and technology. She praised the visionary leadership of the CDSA and acknowledged the Administration’s commitment to advancing indigenous space capabilities. While noting that technological innovation is critical to modern warfare, she stressed that resilient personnel and stable families remain the bedrock of strong institutions and national resilience.
The DEPOWA President reaffirmed the Association’s vision of strengthening the bond among women in military and police communities and its mission of improving the quality of life of service families through education, healthcare, economic empowerment, psychosocial support and sustainable community development. She identified several areas where DEPOWA and DSA could collaborate, including STEM education, digital literacy, innovation-driven skills acquisition, youth mentorship, family wellness programmes, economic empowerment initiatives and community outreach, describing such partnerships as strategic investments in national security.
Responding, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Okechukwu Ilodibia, expressed appreciation to the DEPOWA President and her delegation for the visit. He welcomed the proposed areas of collaboration and assured the Association of the Defence Space Administration’s readiness to partner with DEPOWA in initiatives that promote the welfare of personnel and their families. He noted that such partnerships complement the Administration in building a resilient, motivated and productive workforce capable of effectively delivering its mandate.
As part of activities marking the maiden visit, Mrs Oluyede performed a ceremonial tree planting within the Defence Space Administration premises to commemorate the occasion. The symbolic exercise reflected the shared commitment of DEPOWA and DSA to growth, sustainability and enduring partnerships. The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, group photographs and a renewed commitment by both organisations to work together in advancing personnel welfare, family development and national security.
